Three men released from hospital following helicopter crash

A Wakarusa man and two Tonganoxie men who suffered minor injuries in a Wednesday helicopter crash in Jefferson County have been treated and released from St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, a hospital spokesman said.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol Wayne E. Spry, 62, of Wakarusa, was the pilot of the helicopter that crashed about 9:45 a.m. Wednesday while the crew was checking a pipeline near Valley Falls. For an unknown reason, Spry lost control of the aircraft, and the helicopter struck trees on its descent and came to rest in a clearing.

The other crews members were Clinton W. Shoemaker, 32, and Jerald J. Senger, 45, both of Tonganoxie.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told The Associated Press the Bell Ranger 206 was owned by Hawkeye Aviation of Ottawa. He says the crew was checking pipelines when the pilot lost rotor speed. Witnesses reported the chopper was spinning before it crashed.